Europa League is harder than Champions League claims Newcastle boss Alan Pardew

All I heard during the summer was, ‘Blimey, it’s going to be tough for you next year’ – and it has been

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew

And the Newcastle boss is urging UEFA to overhaul a competition whose appeal is compromised by its hectic schedule.

Pardew wants a return to a knock-out format, which he believes would prove less of a hindrance to Premier League clubs trying to ­juggle the ­demands of a tough domestic ­campaign with Europe.

Victory over Maritimo at St James’ Park tonight will guarantee the Toon a place in the knockout stages. But if they make it all the way to the final, they will have played 17 games.

Having played six ties in three months in Europe, he believes it has affected the Geordies’ league form.

They face the Portuguese bidding to avoid a third straight home loss, having tumbled into the bottom half after Saturday’s defeat by Swansea.

“You want to be in a competition which gives you a fighting chance in your own league and this format is difficult for Premier League teams,” said Pardew.

“It is whispered about all the time. All I heard during the summer was, ‘Blimey, it’s going to be tough for you next year’ – and it has been.

“We will gain from this experience. I have spoken to Stoke’s Tony Pulis and he would love to be in this competition again, but it is difficult to back it up.

“That is something we are in danger of not being able to do if we don’t win it and qualify as holders.

“Look at the other two clubs in the competition – Liverpool and Tottenham – and they’re having similar seasons to ourselves. So it shows that it does make a big impact on your Premier League situation.”

Pardew thinks the bigger competition is a less harsh environment.

He said: “It’s harder for us to win the ­Europa League than for one of the ‘Big Four’ to win the Champions League.

“They have the finance to attack that with two squads, whereas we are attacking a competition with more games, a heavier schedule, a reduced squad and a more difficult night in Thursday.

“The competition needs to be looked at, though whether Spanish or German clubs have the same opinion, I am not sure. I’d like to have knockout ties all the way through.”

Fabricio Coloccini will play tonight while he serves a domestic ban.

Yohan Cabaye is having a groin operation in the next 72 hours and will be out for six weeks. Cheick Tiote is suspended.